1

Participating in military service was a predominant trend in the Hillary family. Robert William, Robert Michael, Robert Stuart and Norman Hillary were all deployed for active service as medical officers and members of specialized battalions.

2

Military Dress Hat
Mid to Late 19th Century
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

3

Robert William Hillary was a surgeon for the 12th Regiment of the Queen's York Rangers.

4

Group of WWI servicemen sitting in front of Hillary House Verandah
Circa 1914
Hillary House, Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

5

His son, Robert Michael Hillary, served as a battlefield surgeon at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 127th Battalion during WWI in France.

6

The Officers of the 127th Battalion Canadian Railway Troops
WWI
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

7

127th York Rangers uniform clips
Circa 1916

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

8

127th Battalion on drill in courtyard of Kodak Heights in Toronto
1916
Kodak Heights, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

9

Bible
Circa 1914
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

10

Flashlight
WWI
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

11

Christmas Greeting Card
Circa December 1916
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

12

Robert Michael was so deeply affected by his war experience that upon his return to Aurora he discontinued practising medicine.

13

Letter written during wartime to Edith Hillary from Robert Michael Hillary
6 December 1916

Credits:
Aurora Historical Society

14

An additional reason for his decision to stop practicing medicine was the death of his son, Robert Stuart. Stuart died from artillery wounds at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which devastated the entire Hillary family.